Rahr & Sons Brewing

Brew buzz: Founded in 2004 by Fritz and Erin Rahr, the brewery has roots to the 1800s, when Fritz's great-great-grandfather immigrated to Wisconsin and started the first lager brewery in the U.S. Fritz likes to say he was born with beer in his blood. Rahr & Sons was first to open in DFW and remains among the most popular with at least 1,000 visitors each week and production of more than 20,000 barrels annually.

Brewmaster: Head brewer Nate Swan loves fishing almost as much as brewing beer. His beer-making philosophy? Crediting Rahr's "brilliant lab staff that keeps us brewers from screwing up, but brewers will happily take the credit if the beer turns out good."

Brewery visits: A family-friendly atmosphere on tour-and-tasting days is enhanced by pizza, taco, grilled cheese, burger and BBQ trucks and live music. That's 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, and 1-3 p.m. Saturday. Your $15 ticket includes a commemorative glass to take home, 3 pints of beer and a chance to meet the crew. Parking is limited, so taxi and Uber rides are recommended.